Monthly Archives: September 2009

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Below: St. Bonny’s Devon Blackledge rushed for 1,189 and 17 touchdowns as a junior. The Lancers must do something about him on Friday. He already rushed for 300 yards in a win over Long Beach Poly, and is being wooed by the University of Colorado.

Last Week: In three years of doing this, we both have never had a worse week. Steve barely stayed about .500 and I had eight losses. I completely missed on the big three, taking Charter Oak, Monrovia and Damien, who all lost. Other mild surprises included West Covina beating Glendora, and Bonita knocking off unbeaten Baldwin Park. Workman also suffered its first loss.

This week: Calpreps projects St. Bonny as a 24-point favorite over Bishop Amat, which I don’t think will be that lopsided, but the Lancers will suffer their first defeat. Damien and Charter Oak is interesting because both teams are coming off losses and are hungry. Whether you call me a homer or not, Charter Oak did more to lose that game against Rancho than Rancho did to win it, so I’m taking the Chargers again this week. Walnut hosting Arroyo is an intriguing game. After the Mustangs narrowly beat Covina, I like the Knights to bounce back from their loss to Claremont and get a win. The Montview gets going this week, look for Azusa, Gladstone and La Puente to all start 1-0.

Correspondent John Honell is a longtime contributor to the Tribune, and well-known throughout the San Gabriel Valley. He knows the area’s history, coaches, and always seems to have insider information. He will share some of it with his “Touching Base” pieces that will run from time to time.

TOUCHING BASEby John Honell
Fred has asked me to send my observations on high school sports, hence the name “Touching Base.” I talk to almost everyone and hear things that might not rate a full story in the paper but deserve to be mentioned. Haven’t done this for a while so will tell you my rules. I don’t say negative things about high school athletes. I try and have fun and don’t mind poking it at people and organizations that deserve it. I don’t blog. (my dad told me to never argue with a fool. Others can’t tell which one is the fool) Don’t assume my political party based on what I write. I may take a shot at the Dems one week or Reps another. (I’m an Army vet and on Social Security and Medicare so I have “views.”) I will take any info you want to send me but, you must include your (real) name and a phone number where, and when, you may be contacted. (I won’t publish it). You may email me direct at: touchingbase2@yahoo.com. Hope you enjoy me staggering around the bases. Note: Joe Haakenson, the former Tribune beat writer for the Angels, is currently the sports editor at our sister paper, The Long Beach Press-Telegram. Joe was a wrestler in high school at 98 pounds. That weight class no longer exists for CIF or for Joe. To read John’s Column, click thread

The Refs blew it: According to our Miguel Melendez, who covered Temple City-Arcadia’s 14-14 tie on Friday, both teams had agreed to play overtime, the crowd was screaming for it, but apparently the refs had other plans. “We don’t get paid for overtime,” was the excuse they used, according to Melendez. The refs then jogged off the field to a chorus of boos. I thought you got paid by the game, not the quarters. Ben Bolch takes a closer look in today’s Times Article.

Quoteworthy: “The officials are supposed to be there until the game ends, period. You get paid from when the game starts to the game ends, depending on what those schools agree to.” — CIF spokesperson Thom Simmons tells the Times.

Ben Bolch wrote: Umpire Darren Winkley, who worked the game as part of the crew from the San Gabriel Valley Football Officials Assn., said none of the officials made a comment about overtime pay. Winkley said his crew’s policy was not to allow overtime before league games.

Athletes of the week: Looking for nominations for boys and girls athlete of the week.

This Friday’s game of the week: St. Bonaventure at Bishop Amat. There were others we considered, but this is the game. If you thought Charter Oak had it tough with Rancho, you haven’t seen nothing yet. The Lancers are right where they’re supposed to be, 3-0, with a chance to knock off one of the best teams in the Southern Section at home. Do they have a shot?

Tonight’s resultsRancho Cucamonga 35, Charter Oak 25 — What can I say that you didn’t see on television. The Chargers were up 14-0 and in control late in the first half when disaster struck. The ten-point switch in the final six seconds on the block punt that was returned for a TD tied the score 14-14, but more importantly sapped the confidence, energy and swagger from the Chargers for good.Bishop Amat 29, Damien 20 — No doubt the Lancers jump to No. 1 next week heading into the showdown against St. Bonaventure. Any predictions how the Lancers finish the final 7?Monrovia 36, San Dimas 17 -- I never expected this. It looks like like its good times in M-Town again. When I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong. Our reporter Scott French said the Cats will go 14-0.Chino Hills 17, Diamond Ranch 14 – You know what the Panthers are doing, saving it for the Miramonte and another late season run. Yeah right.Rowland 49, Northview 22 – The Raiders continue to pile on the points, third straight blowout win.West Covina 22, Glendora 21 — The Bulldogs needed this in the worst way and got it, avoiding 0-4 while dropping the suddenly what’s-going-on Tartans to 1-3.Bonita 9, Baldwin Park 3 — You knew the Bearcats were better than their record indicated, and they proved it against the undefeated Braves.Azusa 34, Gabrielino 20 – We’re starting to find out the Aztecs weren’t a one-year wonder. Coach Scherf is doing it again.Walnut 31, Covina 27 — The Colts are obviously much improved from last year, but so too are the Mustangs, now 3-0.Claremont 42, Arroyo 21 — The Knights suffer their first loss against a tougher-than-expected Claremont team.Gladstone 10, El Monte 7 — The Gladiators improve to 3-1, and if not for a close loss to Bosco Tech, would be undefeated.Harvard-Westlake 42, Rosemead 0 — The Panthers are a long way from the Panthers of old. Ouch.Schurr 42, Wilson 0 — I’m speechless.Ayala 28, Los Altos 12 — The Conquerors are getting better, but they’re obviously not there yet.Western Christian 16, Sierra Vista 8 — That’s Upland Western Christian to all of you. The Dons’ good start comes to a screeching halt.Chaffey 34, Nogales 7 — Not a huge surprise, this is one of Chaffey’s better teams and it showed.Bassett 28, Mountain View 10 — Is this the Tony Zane magic or what. He shows up and they’re 3-1. Coaching matters.Brea Olinda 20, Diamond Bar 12 — With the Sierra League around the corner, it looks like another long year for the Brahams.Montclair 23, Workman 22 — The Lobos first loss of the season is a one-point setback. That’s tough to swallow.

Tonight’s resultsLa Puente 35, South El Monte 6 — Ray Hernandez’s return to La Puente wasn’t a memorable one. The Warriors jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, improving to 3-1 while the Eagles dropped to 0-4.

Tesoro 34, South Hills 21 — The Huskies were shorthanded and clearly outplayed, but still only trailed 14-6 before giving up a touchdown in the final minute of the first half to go down 21-6. In the second half they played them even, it just wasn’t good enough.

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he’s offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don’t hate, enjoy it for what it’s worth, which is one man’s opinion on the talent and teams in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

The Guru Says: It’s that time of year where the season is just about coming into focus and so is college football recruiting. I thought it would be a great idea to take a look the west coast schools and see where they stand from the point of view of the Inland Empire and the East San Gabriel Valley. For many football fans, the football season in college recruiting. So this week we will take a look at the Pac-10, next week the WAC and the Mountain West Conference. We’ll start with the defending Pac-10 champions…

Charter Oak (3-0) is hosting Rancho Cucamonga (3-0) on Friday live on Fox Sports at 7:30 p.m. Both teams are 16-0-1 since last season and defending divisional champs. Their only blemish, a 14-14 tie against each other. We caught up with Rancho coach Nick Baiz to get his thoughts on the game.

Impression of Charter Oak
“They’re obviously a really good team, they have a ton of great athletes a good coaching staff, it’s a big concern.”On what to focus on
“You have to start with their running back (Adam Muema), he’s a special player. We have to try and contain him before anything else.”On this game having state playoff implications
“I don’t know about that, we have no say in those things. We’re treating it as a big game, if feels like a CIF championship type of game. We’re going to feed off the energy, but by no means is our season dependent on this game.”Who does it mean more to?
“I can’t speak to that, that’s something you have to ask Lou. For us, we know it’s a big game. I wouldn’t say it’s a rivalry or anything. We know they’re a good team and defending CIF champions. The fact that it’s on TV probably adds a little more to it.”On how his team is playing
“I thought our first two games were a little flat. I don’t know if our kids have played to their potential yet. They should get our best game on Friday.”On his quarterback Greg Watson, who was offered by Oregon in the spring, but has since had that offer pulled off the table.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete and just a winner. He’s a great student, a great leader and a competitor. He’s one of those guys who hates to lose and plays that way.”On how live television changes things.
“This is our first time being on television with our coaching staff and kids. I’m not sure if (the hype) is about the rematch of two 13-0-1 teams or the television, but I think the team that blocks out the television (aspect) the best may win the game. The team in awe of it may not be as focused.”Last year’s game ended in a 14-14 tie, will there be a tiebreaker this time in case of another tie?
“I don’t think either one of us will agree to a tie. It will be settled one way or another.”

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Arroyo High School football coach Jim Singiser did last year, and now his decision is paying dividends. The Knights, who were just 3-8 last year, have broken out from the gate quick, winning their first two games, and are ranked No. 3 in this week’s CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division poll. The big reason for the resurgence is the Knights’ vertical game, led by sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera, who started as a freshman, and senior receiver Chris Rodriguez.

By Andrew J. Campa, Staff Writer
A combination of heat, sand and fatigue made Wednesday afternoon’s Camino Del Rey Association cross country cluster meet challenging and rewarding. While the individual times were a bit down for Santa Fe Dam’s fast course, that didn’t stop a few locals from putting up solid performances in the combo meet that joined the Camino Real and Del Rey leagues.

Fred J. Robledo
Damien football coach Greg Gano was finally able to exhale following Friday’s 24-0 victory over Claremont, but now he takes another deep breath with parochial rival Bishop Amat in town next.
The undefeated Lancers (2-0) visit the Spartans (1-2) on Friday after Gano and Co. desperately avoided an 0-3 start. “You can say that again,” Gano said. “You don’t want to face those guys spinning your wheels and with your confidence shaken, and that’s really what it’s about for us.” To continue reading, click thread

For some, three weeks of football are in the bank, and already we have early candidates for coach of the year. Wilson coach Brian Zavala is a no-brainer. This is a simple case of one of the worst programs a year ago, inner-turmoil everywhere, and he steps in and changes the culture, and everyone seems to have bought in. Not only are they 2-0, but they beat a 2-0 Glenn team, an amazing turnaround after going 1-9. San Dimas’ Bill Zernickow is right there because frankly, the Saints look better this year than the senior-laden team a year ago. It’s simply great coaching, they’re not just winning, they’re crushing opponents and seemed to have improved on defense to go 3-0. Others to consider are practically every coach in the Montview league because outside of Duarte, the rest of the Montview is 13-4 and no longer the worst league in the area, that tag probably goes to the Mission Valley, though nobody in the Montview could touch Arroyo, who’s coach Jim Singiser deserves to be mentioned here as well. If Rowland coach Craig Snyder and Walnut coach Mike O’Shields continue winning and beat worthy opponents, they will leap into consideration too. And lets not forget the job Baldwin Park coach James Heggins is doing. If they defeat Bonita this week, I really believe they will go 9-0 before facing San Dimas in the VVL finale.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Walnut High School football fans are finally reacquainting themselves with quarterback Austin Cooper. As a sophomore, Cooper went through all the growing pains. He was 0-8 as a starter, throwing for just 441 yards with eight interceptions and one touchdown. Just five plays into the 2008 season opener against Diamond Bar, Cooper suffered a severe ankle sprain and missed the rest of the season. Now healthy, the senior is one of the big reasons the Mustangs are off to a 2-0 start and the third-ranked team in the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division poll.

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